Google’s Nano Banana gains 10M users with viral photo prompts. Here are some to try.

Google’s latest AI image generation tool has captured global attention, drawing millions of users within days of its launch. Nano Banana, integrated directly into the Gemini ecosystem, represents a significant leap forward in AI-powered visual creation, processing images at unprecedented speeds while maintaining quality that rivals established competitors like ChatGPT and MidJourney.

Josh Woodward, Google’s Vice President of Product, recently announced that the Gemini app gained over 10 million new users following Nano Banana’s release. The tool has already generated or edited over 200 million images, sparking viral social media trends that showcase its versatility and accessibility. Unlike standalone image generators, Nano Banana operates seamlessly within Google’s existing AI infrastructure, allowing users to create and modify visuals through simple text prompts.

The tool’s rapid adoption reflects a broader shift toward integrated AI experiences, where image generation becomes as straightforward as typing a message. These viral trends demonstrate practical applications that extend beyond novelty, offering genuine utility for personal branding, creative projects, and social media content creation.

5 viral AI photo prompts to try with Nano Banana

1. Transform yourself into a collectible action figure

This trend capitalizes on nostalgia while creating shareable content that resonates across age groups. The prompt generates detailed packaging complete with authentic toy industry elements, from clear display windows to bold graphics that mimic real product design.

Prompt: “Take this photo of me and turn me into a collectible figurine inside a toy box. The box should include a clear window to show the figurine, bold graphics, and my name on the packaging. Style the figurine in a fun, toy-like way but keep my likeness recognizable. Make it look like an authentic action figure you’d find on a store shelf.”

The results typically surpass similar features in other AI tools, producing more accurate facial recognition and realistic packaging details. This prompt works particularly well for professional profiles, social media content, and creative portfolio pieces.

2. Transport yourself to different decades

Historical transformation prompts tap into cultural fascination with past eras while demonstrating the AI’s understanding of period-specific fashion, photography styles, and cultural context. Each decade requires distinct visual elements to achieve authenticity.

Base prompt: “Take this photo of me and transform me into a [decade] character, with period-appropriate clothing, hairstyle, and background elements. Update my appearance to match the era while maintaining recognizable features. Make it look like an authentic portrait from that time period.”

Decade-specific variations:

• 1920s: Add “styled like a flapper-era portrait with vintage sepia tones, short bob haircut, and art deco patterns”
• 1950s: Include “retro diner-style fashion with poodle skirt elements and neon jukebox background”
• 1970s: Specify “disco-era look with bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and colorful light patterns”
• 1990s: Request “grunge or sitcom fashion, standing in a Blockbuster video store setting”

For maximum impact, generate multiple decades simultaneously to create side-by-side comparison images that highlight the AI’s versatility in historical recreation.

3. Insert yourself into iconic television shows

This trend leverages pop culture recognition while demonstrating the AI’s ability to understand complex scene composition and character integration. Success depends on matching lighting, perspective, and stylistic elements specific to each show’s visual identity.

Prompt: “Create a realistic image of me sitting with Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer in Jerry’s apartment from Seinfeld. Position me as part of the group on the couch, laughing as if I just delivered a punchline. Match the scene’s classic episode style, including Jerry’s kitchen background and the characters’ casual 1990s outfits. Integrate me seamlessly into the show’s visual style.”

Pro tip: Upload photos showing yourself in similar poses to your desired scene placement. If you want to appear sitting, use a photo of yourself seated. This significantly improves the AI’s ability to create natural-looking integrations.

4. Blend into masterpiece artwork

Art integration represents one of the most technically challenging prompts, requiring the AI to understand and replicate distinct artistic styles while maintaining facial recognition. Results vary significantly based on the complexity of the chosen artwork.

Prompt: “Insert me into Edvard Munch’s The Scream, painted in the same expressionist style with bold swirling colors and dramatic brushstrokes. Place me standing on the bridge alongside the central figure, blending seamlessly into the painting’s eerie, emotional atmosphere.”

Alternative masterpiece prompts:

• Mona Lisa: “Insert me next to the original subject, painted in Renaissance style with soft lighting and muted colors”
• Starry Night: “Place me beneath the starry sky, painted with Van Gogh’s characteristic swirling brushstrokes”
• American Gothic: “Position me holding a pitchfork beside the farmer, painted in Grant Wood’s realistic 1930s style”

This category requires patience and experimentation. Complex compositions may need multiple attempts, and results can vary from seamless integration to obvious digital insertion.

5. Appear at world-famous landmarks

Location-based prompts demonstrate the AI’s geographical knowledge and ability to create realistic environmental integration. These prompts work best when specifying lighting conditions, time of day, and atmospheric details.

Prompt: “Place me sitting on top of the Hollywood Sign, waving at the city below. Create realistic lighting, shadows, and perspective to make my presence feel authentic. Keep the landmark clearly recognizable while matching the location’s natural atmosphere.”

Popular landmark variations:

• Eiffel Tower: “Position me in front of the tower on a sunny afternoon with tourists and city life around me”
• Great Wall of China: “Show me walking along the wall with the structure winding into mountains behind me”
• Taj Mahal: “Place me in the gardens at sunrise with the monument reflecting in the water”
• Pyramids of Giza: “Position me beside the pyramids with desert sand and camels creating an authentic historical scene”

For enhanced creativity, combine multiple subjects by uploading separate photos and requesting: “Combine these photos and place the people together naturally, with consistent lighting and background elements, appearing to interact casually in the same moment.”

Maximizing your results

Upload strategy: Choose high-quality source photos that closely match your desired final pose and lighting conditions. Clear, well-lit images produce significantly better results than low-resolution or poorly lit alternatives.

Prompt refinement: Specific details yield better outcomes than vague descriptions. Include information about lighting, time of day, clothing styles, and atmospheric conditions to guide the AI’s interpretation.

Iteration approach: Complex prompts may require multiple attempts. Experiment with different phrasing or break complicated requests into simpler components for better success rates.

The broader implications

Nano Banana’s viral success signals a shift toward democratized creative tools that require no technical expertise. These trends represent more than entertainment—they demonstrate practical applications for marketing professionals, content creators, and individuals building personal brands.

The tool’s integration within Google’s ecosystem suggests a future where AI-powered creativity becomes as commonplace as web search or email. As adoption continues expanding, expect to see these capabilities influencing everything from social media marketing to professional portfolio development.

However, users should maintain realistic expectations. While results often impress, the technology isn’t infallible. Some prompts require multiple attempts, and complex artistic integrations may not always achieve seamless results. This trial-and-error process, rather than being a limitation, often leads to unexpected creative discoveries that make the experience engaging rather than frustrating.